News Release
FHS student eager to get business on road to success (News)
May 28, 2010
By NICOLE VEERMAN
veerman.nicole@dailygleaner.com
Sixteen-year-old Fredericton High School student Travis Votour is opening his own mobile auto detailing business.
"I'm an opportunity seeker," said the young businessman.
Votour passed his driver's test this week, was approved for a government loan, has bought all of the equipment and now it's a matter of waiting for summer vacation. He said he plans to open TLC Auto Detailing on June 20.
"My business runs from basic, interior and exterior," he said.
He'll wash, wax, vacuum, the whole nine yards. And he'll even pick you up so you can have it done while you're at work.
Votour and classmate Luke MacMillan created the business as their final project in their entrepreneurship class. MacMillan was planning to be Votour's business partner this summer, but it conflicted with basketball practices and games.
As part of the entrepreneurship class, the Regional High School Business Plan Competition was held Thursday. There were 14 businesses competing from FHS, Oromocto High School and Leo Hayes High School.
First prize went to Votour and MacMillan. Second prize was awarded to Danielle Mullin and Victoria Alward from FHS for their pre-made scrapbook company, Scrappy Days.
Third place went to Jenna Degaust from OHS for her organic skin-care line, Glitter.
The businesses were judged by business owners and professionals in the community, said Kaitlyn DeLong, youth development co-ordinator for Enterprise Fredericton.
DeLong works with the entrepreneurship students a few times a year to help them with their business plan, which includes a business description, market research, where to locate and finances.
"It's practical, real life experience. It's definitely one of the more practical classes they're taking," she said.
Votour said the class and experience of both planning and opening his own business has inspired him to become an entrepreneur. He said he hopes he'll be able to keep TLC Auto Detailing running until he graduates from university.
"My long term goal is to have an employee," he said.